The Role
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is expanding its School Support Dog Programme and is recruiting a School Support Dog Instructor.
This is a full-time position and is central to the delivery of our School Support Dog Programme. The successful candidate will be responsible for training and preparing suitable dogs for placement in schools, supporting teachers and handlers, and providing ongoing support and aftercare to ensure the long-term success of each placement.
The role is based at our Little Island Centre in Cork and involves travel to schools throughout Ireland. The successful candidate will work closely with the School Support Dog Programme Lead and wider AADI team to ensure that dogs, handlers and schools are fully prepared for successful placements.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess dogs for suitability for the School Support Dog Programme and monitor their progress throughout training.
- Deliver approximately 12–15 weeks of structured training with dogs, including teaching and developing the specific tasks required for the School Support Dog role, alongside training in a variety of environments and school settings.
- Assess schools for suitability and meet with principals and relevant school staff.
- Assess and support the teacher/handler who will care for the dog at home and in school.
- Match suitable dogs with appropriate schools and handlers.
- Class training - training of teachers/handlers with their dogs. This takes place over 3 days and covers all the handling, training, maintenance and welfare of the dog, whilst building the confidence of the main handler before they take the dog to school.
- Deliver school-based training when the dog is placed, supporting the dog, handler and school team in the school environment.
- Provide school talks, presentations and guidance on having a School Support Dog in the school.
- Provide ongoing support to schools and handlers by phone, email and through additional visits where required.
- Complete scheduled aftercare and follow-up visits, including 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and annual follow-up.
- Maintain accurate training, assessment, placement and aftercare records.
- Complete required programme paperwork and reports.
- Respond to school enquiries and assist with the management of the programme waiting list.
- Identify and report any behavioural, welfare or placement concerns.
- Work closely with the School Support Dog Programme Lead to maintain consistent training and programme standards.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the School Support Dog Programme.
Person Specification
- 2+ years practical dog handling experience.
- Qualification in canine behaviour and/or people-training/dog-related roles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Comfortable delivering training and presentations to teachers and school staff.
- Good knowledge of canine behaviour and welfare.
- Confident working with dogs in different environments.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Physically able and happy to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends and other hours as required.
- Full clean driving licence and willingness to travel throughout Ireland.
- Eligible to work in Ireland.
- A calm, patient and professional approach.
About AADI
AADI is a growing national charity focused on training and placing Assistance and School Support Dogs to make a positive difference to the lives of children and families. The School Support Dog Programme is a developing area of our work, and this is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about dogs, education and supporting children and schools.
How To Apply
Closing date for applications: Friday September 25th 2026
Please submit your cover letter and CV
For more information on this role please contact Nadine
Pay: From €30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
